Mikeler's Multis

I measured Isospeed Control Classic last night with RacquetTune. Had almost 15% tension loss in 24 hours with no hitting! I forgot to string it higher because of that. How come these string packages never tell us these things?

My experience with Power Fiber II was not that bad, but I've come to the conclusion that I prefer stiffer multis which provide more control. My ultimate setup may end up as a gut/poly or multi/poly hybrid. Trying out RIP control 17 full bed right now and that is not bad at all. So little time, so many strings. ;-)

My experience with Power Fiber II was not that bad, but I've come to the conclusion that I prefer stiffer multis which provide more control. My ultimate setup may end up as a gut/poly or multi/poly hybrid. Trying out RIP control 17 full bed right now and that is not bad at all. So little time, so many strings. ;-)

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To me the whole point of using multifilaments is arm comfort. When you get some that feel stiffer like a synthetic gut, I'd rather just save the money and buy some Gamma Synthetic gut for $3.50 per pack.

I'm thinking about trying out the Isospeed Control Classic this morning. The reason being that the time I playtested the new Isospeed Control was against the same opponent I'm playing in an hour or so. Should offer a good comparison of the two.

Well, there will be no **** string review. I just realized that I accidentally cut it out last night instead of the power fiber. I guess that means I'll get to Prince premiere attack even sooner than I expected.

To me the whole point of using multifilaments is arm comfort. When you get some that feel stiffer like a synthetic gut, I'd rather just save the money and buy some Gamma Synthetic gut for $3.50 per pack.

I'm thinking about trying out the Isospeed Control Classic this morning. The reason being that the time I playtested the new Isospeed Control was against the same opponent I'm playing in an hour or so. Should offer a good comparison of the two.

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Yes, comfort for sure. but Multi does seem to be much better for volleying purposes. Better feel and power on the volleys.

I have 3-4 hours of hitting on the max pre stretch set up , still feels nice , no tension or control issues yet. I will say it almost rivals my babolat tonic set up.
The tonic still has a slight more pop on demand when needed ,but the x1 seems to have more spin all around .

Just got back from 2 long singles sets with Isospeed Control Classic 16. Wow this is a good string. My only issue today was double faults but that was more likely due to the strong wind today. This string is much better than the newer Isospeed Control.

Just got back from 2 long singles sets with Isospeed Control Classic 16. Wow this is a good string. My only issue today was double faults but that was more likely due to the strong wind today. This string is much better than the newer Isospeed Control.

I forgot to mention that the Isospeed Classic barely moves even strung at 50# in the Exo Tour. When the strings did move it was very minor. You can tell the strings are snapping back because the crosses are getting scuffed up pretty well.

Tension loss reading for Isospeed Classic Control is up to 21% after just 2 sets of singles. Yikes! The prestretched X1 has only lost 6% tension since I strung it up a few days ago. PPA has dropped a hair more than X1 after sitting for 48 hours. Pretty impressive for both. Maybe the X1 prestretch will do the trick this time.

Had another match in the wind tonight. Hard to get a true gauge on my serve with the Isospeed Control Classic. 4 aces and probably 12 double faults. I've had very few DFs per match until I started using this string. I think it is the wind messing up with my ultra high ball toss, so hopefully I get a chance to play in calm conditions before it breaks. Really good string but I"m framing everything in this wind so the strings can't help me there.

A few more notes about Isospeed Control Classic. This string is fantastic at net. I'm thinking even better than Genesis Thunder Blast. The strings are no longer staying straight. The crosses have been roughed up too much to allow them to snap back. For whatever reason, defensive shots were flying way long last night. Not sure if it was a bad night at the office or the tension loss. Stay tuned...

Mikeler, A while ago, I asked you about a cheap alternative to X-!. I strung up my Dunlop Biomimmetic 300 Tour with Forten Sweet 16 in the mains at 52 and my usual TF Red Code 18 in the crosses at 48.

Sweet 16 looks kinda like X1, strings kinda like X1, and feels kinda like X1 to the touch. Basically, it can do a weak impersonation of X1:mrgreen:

So, I played 4 sets with it - two last night and two after work tonight, and it played so well I literally could not tell the difference between the Sweet 16 setup from the X1 in the mains. Probably plays different in a full bed, but in this hydrid it played great and I actually think my serves had a little more action.

Price is way better than the $285 a reel for the X1. Thanks for this great thread by the way.

Mikeler, A while ago, I asked you about a cheap alternative to X-!. I strung up my Dunlop Biomimmetic 300 Tour with Forten Sweet 16 in the mains at 52 and my usual TF Red Code 18 in the crosses at 48.

Sweet 16 looks kinda like X1, strings kinda like X1, and feels kinda like X1 to the touch. Basically, it can do a weak impersonation of X1:mrgreen:

So, I played 4 sets with it - two last night and two after work tonight, and it played so well I literally could not tell the difference between the Sweet 16 setup from the X1 in the mains. Probably plays different in a full bed, but in this hydrid it played great and I actually think my serves had a little more action.

Price is way better than the $285 a reel for the X1. Thanks for this great thread by the way.

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Wow, that is certainly surprising. It is "sweet" that you found that setup.

mikeler, I just purchased Dunlop DNA per your review.
I play with Tour 16x18 as well.
50 lb tension you tested is kind of low for the racket (53-63 lb) and multi strings. I'm thinking to go for 60 lb. What is your recommendation for tension?

mikeler, I just purchased Dunlop DNA per your review.
I play with Tour 16x18 as well.
50 lb tension you tested is kind of low for the racket (53-63 lb) and multi strings. I'm thinking to go for 60 lb. What is your recommendation for tension?

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Um, how about 50 pounds.

What do you string other multis at in the Exo? Also are you using the 16x18 version?

Ok the party is over after 6-8 hrs of hitting , starting to spray balls , its a game of inches . I do not want to adjust my strokes at this point to compensate . It is a very arm friendly string for those with issues ..

What do you string other multis at in the Exo? Also are you using the 16x18 version?

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I am using 16x18 pattern.
I have tried a half of your top 10 list: Xcel Prem, Premiere Attack, Gamma Professional, Multifeel, and Thunder Blast. However, my favorite multi is Head Rip Control @58 lb due to its durability and comfort.

Ok the party is over after 6-8 hrs of hitting , starting to spray balls , its a game of inches . I do not want to adjust my strokes at this point to compensate . It is a very arm friendly string for those with issues ..

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I've noted that too - the second phase of the "bi-phase". Even in my hybrid with the TF Red Code crosses, I notice that I start to spray shots into the alleys much more often and feel like I have less control. Thrn I would go re-string and it was great again. Still though, good string. If it were, say, $175 a reel I'd be all over it.

I've noted that too - the second phase of the "bi-phase". Even in my hybrid with the TF Red Code crosses, I notice that I start to spray shots into the alleys much more often and feel like I have less control. Thrn I would go re-string and it was great again. Still though, good string. If it were, say, $175 a reel I'd be all over it.

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Ever try adding string savers to stiffen the stringbed when you lose tension?

Ok the party is over after 6-8 hrs of hitting , starting to spray balls , its a game of inches . I do not want to adjust my strokes at this point to compensate . It is a very arm friendly string for those with issues ..

I am using 16x18 pattern.
I have tried a half of your top 10 list: Xcel Prem, Premiere Attack, Gamma Professional, Multifeel, and Thunder Blast. However, my favorite multi is Head Rip Control @58 lb due to its durability and comfort.

I've noted that too - the second phase of the "bi-phase". Even in my hybrid with the TF Red Code crosses, I notice that I start to spray shots into the alleys much more often and feel like I have less control. Thrn I would go re-string and it was great again. Still though, good string. If it were, say, $175 a reel I'd be all over it.

Yep , 1 piece max prestretch for 45-60 seconds , I then cut it in half to do a
2 piece job on a 18/20 pattern , it was fun to play with but not for serious
match play , I do use string savers to help save the sweet spot fraying ,but
they wont make up for excess elongation ,which I assume is tension loss.

Yep , 1 piece max prestretch for 45-60 seconds , I then cut it in half to do a
2 piece job on a 18/20 pattern , it was fun to play with but not for serious
match play , I do use string savers to help save the sweet spot fraying ,but
they wont make up for excess elongation ,which I assume is tension loss.

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OK, I did a 60 second prestretch on both pieces of string in a 2 piece job. I'll keep tabs on it with RacquetTune this time around to monitor tension loss. I've got a funny inkling it may not be due to tension loss but the loss of the outer coating. I shall test my hypothesis.

OK, I did a 60 second prestretch on both pieces of string in a 2 piece job. I'll keep tabs on it with RacquetTune this time around to monitor tension loss. I've got a funny inkling it may not be due to tension loss but the loss of the outer coating. I shall test my hypothesis.

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Interesting thing. I tried doing some prestretching with GPro (machine prestretch at 10%) and I feel like it actually "stretched the life out of" the string. I've tried it a few times at different tensions, and I really don't like it.

I'm starting to think that most multis (or at least GPro) play better when you leave that resiliency in the string, rather then pull it out. If the tension drop is too quick for you, then I'm almost wondering if the better idea is to account for that by stringing a little higher and "breaking it in" in a non-match scenario first.

Interesting thing. I tried doing some prestretching with GPro (machine prestretch at 10%) and I feel like it actually "stretched the life out of" the string. I've tried it a few times at different tensions, and I really don't like it.

I'm starting to think that most multis (or at least GPro) play better when you leave that resiliency in the string, rather then pull it out. If the tension drop is too quick for you, then I'm almost wondering if the better idea is to account for that by stringing a little higher and "breaking it in" in a non-match scenario first.

I do pre-stretch on X1 that consists of my hooking a clamp onto one end, sticking the clamp in a vice, then pulling the entire 40 foot section by hand for about a minute. Not sure if the really counts as a true pre-stretch but that's what I do.

Never used string savers, but I have never broken the X1 16 in my mains withe the red code 18 crosses. I did use X1 18 once in the mains and that snapped after about three hours of play.

Right now, I am liking sweet 16 in the mains a whole lot and it is holding up very well.

I do pre-stretch on X1 that consists of my hooking a clamp onto one end, sticking the clamp in a vice, then pulling the entire 40 foot section by hand for about a minute. Not sure if the really counts as a true pre-stretch but that's what I do.

Never used string savers, but I have never broken the X1 16 in my mains withe the red code 18 crosses. I did use X1 18 once in the mains and that snapped after about three hours of play.

Right now, I am liking sweet 16 in the mains a whole lot and it is holding up very well.

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I'd be most curious about the durability. Synthetic gut almost never lasted more than 5 hours for me no matter the brand.

Yeah, but it's largely subjective though, because I (personally) find the same thing to be true of natural gut. But if you're using price point as a criteria for whether or not a string needs break in, then you'd have to conclude (or *I* would have to anyway) that natural gut is completely not worth it.

But almost no one would agree with that (myself included). Natural gut is great, but when I prestretch it, I don't like it. So I need to not prestretch and go up a tad higher, at which point I expect a small amount of loss in the beginning (which I'm calling "break in"). Albeit, it would be less so than would your typical multi.

Anyway, the point is that it's all very very subjective. GPro is still, in my mind, the best FEELING multi out there.

Quick side note: I have to admit (somewhat sheepishly) that I tried a full poly the other day, and was almost wow'd by it. I don't think I can go full poly though. Perhaps I see an iO / GPro hybrid in my future.

Had no wind for the first 2 sets today. That definitely helped with my double fault issues using Isospeed Control Classic 16. Still I'm having issues with being stretched out and throwing up defensive lobs. They just keep going way long. That is my only complaint with the string. I still maintain it is the best multi up at the net and pretty darn good for everything else. We shall have another entry into the top 5 of my list once all is said and done.

Mikeler, I apologize if this has been asked before. I'm battling some shoulder tendonitis, and I'm looking for a cross string that will soften the bed and still provide a little bit of spin. I'll be using Tour Bite 1.20 mains. I'm thinking of keeping the tension the same at 56 all around. I've tried stringing lower with a syn gut cross, and the control doesn't remain the same, and with a syn gut cross at 56, I still have a good deal of pain after matches. I don't want to drop a lot of cash on gut, but I'd like a softer multi. I was thinking maybe Thunderblast or MCS? Any other suggestions? I'm using a Pure Storm with a leather grip and 2 overgrips and lead at 3 and 9. Total weight is 11.6 oz.

Having battled tendonitis in both shoulder and elbow, I don't think you will be helping your shoulder cause appreciably as long as you have poly in your mains. That said I have enjoyed Biphase X1 (very soft), it just doesn't last long enough to say it is an economical solution. Really hated giving up the poly, but I can't argue with the results, pain free is a good place. Currently I have enjoyed NG mains and Biphase crosses.

Yeah, I can't exactly use a multi in full. I play 6 days a week at a Division 2 college. I'd be restringing 3 or 4 times a week. Just looking to reduce the soreness afterward. Natural gut would be ideal, but I don't have the budget for it.

Yeah, I can't exactly use a multi in full. I play 6 days a week at a Division 2 college. I'd be restringing 3 or 4 times a week. Just looking to reduce the soreness afterward. Natural gut would be ideal, but I don't have the budget for it.

Mikeler, I apologize if this has been asked before. I'm battling some shoulder tendonitis, and I'm looking for a cross string that will soften the bed and still provide a little bit of spin. I'll be using Tour Bite 1.20 mains. I'm thinking of keeping the tension the same at 56 all around. I've tried stringing lower with a syn gut cross, and the control doesn't remain the same, and with a syn gut cross at 56, I still have a good deal of pain after matches. I don't want to drop a lot of cash on gut, but I'd like a softer multi. I was thinking maybe Thunderblast or MCS? Any other suggestions? I'm using a Pure Storm with a leather grip and 2 overgrips and lead at 3 and 9. Total weight is 11.6 oz.

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First off, how about trying the new Tour Bite Soft that just came out? Second, I would suggest lowering the tension of your poly quite a bit. If you are D2, I'm sure you are hitting harder than me but I think it is still worth a shot. When I used the Pure Storm Tour, it seemed like high 40s was a good tension for me.

As for the cross string question, MCS will be the softest but Tour Bite is pretty sharp from what I remember just feeling it. It may chew through the MCS too quickly for your needs. The white Thunder Blast is softer than the black, so that might be "the one" to try.

My favorite multis are listed in order in Post #1 of this thread, so any of those top ones may also be candidates, I have just never tried them as crosses. I was hoping to try out Babolat NvY and Discho Microfibre crosses with Weiss Cannon B5E mains but I'm starting to get some tennis elbow again so that may have to wait.

Thanks for your input. I strung one up this morning with Tour Bite mains and PPA crosses at 50 all around. Feels better. I've played low tensions before, so that's a minimal adjustment. My coach doesn't have Thunder Blast in the shop, so I might have to order a set to try. I feel like this soreness is going to persist for awhile.

To your Tour Bite Soft question, I tried it, and it just wasn't the same. Just not crisp enough for me when compared to the regular tour bite.

Thanks for your input. I strung one up this morning with Tour Bite mains and PPA crosses at 50 all around. Feels better. I've played low tensions before, so that's a minimal adjustment. My coach doesn't have Thunder Blast in the shop, so I might have to order a set to try. I feel like this soreness is going to persist for awhile.

To your Tour Bite Soft question, I tried it, and it just wasn't the same. Just not crisp enough for me when compared to the regular tour bite.

Just ordered a set of Solinco Tour Bite Soft 17 1.20 and Yonex Tournament Super 850 Pro 16 at Morten's suggestion. I tried the non-Pro Yonex version a few years back and was not impressed. I looked up the Pro version reviews and many were positive.

Just ordered a set of Solinco Tour Bite Soft 17 1.20 and Yonex Tournament Super 850 Pro 16 at Morten's suggestion. I tried the non-Pro Yonex version a few years back and was not impressed. I looked up the Pro version reviews and many were positive.

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Let us know how it compares to Yonex Poly Pro Tour. I think one of these two polys will go perfect as a cross with natural gut mains. I have tried the Yonex and love one but wondering how well Tour Bite Soft compares.

Let us know how it compares to Yonex Poly Pro Tour. I think one of these two polys will go perfect as a cross with natural gut mains. I have tried the Yonex and love one but wondering how well Tour Bite Soft compares.